Thomas Vermaelen impressed with Arsenal new boy Laurent Koscielny

21 July 2010 02:13

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen admits he can't wait to begin a partnership with summer recruit Laurent Koscielny having been impressed with the new signing.

The Belgian centre-half enter his second year at the Emirates having enjoyed a successful debut season in the Premier League following his £10m arrival from Ajax.

With veteran stoppers William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre all certain to find new clubs after their contracts expired last month, Vermaelen expects to form a new rearguard alongside Koscielny or fit-again Switzerland star Johan Djourou.

Raring to go: Thomas Vermaelen is looking forward to starting the new season alongside a new defensive partner

Although less familiar to him, Vermaelen is confident the new bond at the back will prove to be inspired for manager Arsenal Wenger.

'It doesn't matter for me who I play with,' he told the club's official website.

'I didn't know Koscielny before but I have seen him in training. He is agood defender, he puts pressure on the attackers all the time and he istight with his marking.

New boy: Vermaelen has been impressed with the club's recent recruit Laurent Koscielny (R)

'I have played alongside him a few times in training and that has gone well. He is a good defender.

'Djourou had a long injury last year, for almost all of the season. Ithink for him it is good to be back. I know him well and he is aquality player.'

Boss Wenger remains in the market for extra defensive reinforcements but has been rebuffed by Everton in his pursuit of Phil Jagielka and faces competition from north London rivals Tottenham to sign Dynamo Kiev's highly-rated Pape Diakhate.